Hey,

…for a little while at least.  Just a quick post this one, to let you know that I won’t be very active online for the foreseeable future.  I have some unbearable family drama that is playing out around me right now, and as a result, my emotions are to say the least, frazzled and worn down.  So, I feel that currently, my attentions are  needed elsewhere other than cyberspace.  I don’t really want to share the whole horrid mess with the world, but the people who I need to know, do so, and that’s good enough for now – and I promise you, that I am and will be, ok.

Wonderland Boutique and all that she entails, shall be business as usual – I honestly think the distraction may save me - and though I may not tweet, blog or comment for a while, rest assured I shall remain an avid reader of all of your wonderful adventures and stories and hope to back in the flow of things again, sooner rather than later.

Much love to my customers, followers and friends.

Amy at WB x.

Hey,

Well this was going to be a thoroughly miserable, pour-your-heart-out kinda post, due to having a rather emotional time of it this weekend; but you’ll be thankful that I’ve thought better of it though, and have instead decided to share with you my wishlist!  I’m forever scouring the internet for treats and lovely things and have a wealth of beauties to show you.  It’s true to say that from this little lot, my tastes are somewhat eclectic – show me anyone else who pairs vintage-style headbands with harajuku dolls?!

THIS YEARS GIRL - "Merry Go Round" Print

SEONNA HONG - "All Others" Print

PORTOBELLO - Karma Bird Lariat

KITSCHTIQUE - Bow Brooch

TOVICORRE - ipod Case PLAY - Dexter Bobblehead

AMAZON - Tick Tock Gwen Doll

MISSMACAU - Korean Amy Card Case

BOOK DEPOSITORY - Alice in Wonderland

DOLLYDAGGER - Highschool Hellcats Tee

PLASTICLAND - Birdcage Letter & Photo Holder

Amazon - Who Killed Amanda Palmer Book

TOTALLY FUNKY - Apple Handbag

 Amy at WB x

Hey,

With Christmas just around the corner, I’ve decided to offer free worldwide shipping at Wonderland Boutique!  This super-special offer will run from now up until the big day itself, so come check out Wonderland and snap up all those festive goodies for you and yours by simply clicking on the link below:

Amy at WB x

Hey,

Well it’s been a while!  My supposed mini leave of absence turned into an age and it’s been forever since my last post – so first things first, I must introduce to the world (or more accurately, to the 3 people who actually read this blog!) my new baby nephew Alfie:

He was born on October 5th and weighed in (I always wonder why people want to know baby weights – it’s the last thing on my mind when being told of a birth, but I still feel compelled to ask about it!) at a rather whopping 10lb 2!  He’s an absolute dream, has the bluest of eyes and a mass of soft blonde hair.  His older brother Harry, is not too sure about sharing his home with a baby, but aside from the occaisonal dirty look he does warrant a fleeting kiss or cry of “baby!” every so often too.  They’ll be little playmates in no time at all.

In other less cute news, I’m having a rather large sale at Wonderland Boutique!  For 1 week only from Novmber 1st to the 8th, I’m offering free worldwide shipping on everything in stock!  This is my attempt at creating the pre-Christmas rush that never seems to materialise on Etsy and which, after a shockingly slow October, would rather like to boost my little Wonderland somewhat.  Though I have somehow managed to complete all of my own Christmas shopping and it’s only just turned November which I think warrants a “yey me!”  I find it the most stressful thing to do and would rather spend the Christmas period enjoying the festivities and company of those I love instead of fretting over the money I have to spend and the queues I have to die in - so I have list after list of ideas for various people and just give myself a few days in which to research the best options and then I attack the shops in person and online, and this year it’s all done and dusted (save for the usual sundries of gift wrap, bows, bags etc) in very good time indeed!  So, if you’re not as organised as me and are beginning your seasonal shop, why not check out Wonderland Boutique for that great modern Clutch, fun useful Make-up Bag, or cute stocking filler Coin Purse and take advantage of my free worldwide shipping:

Clutch Bag - HEART OF GLASS

Make Up Bag - WOODLAND DREAMS

Coin Purse - IN BLOOM

Amy at WB x

Hey,

I’ve been trying to write this blog post all week but I’ve been so busy that it was verging on ridiculous!  So, lots to report with newness aplenty, so first things first – the store is filled with lots of lovely new designs:

Clutch Bag - MOON RISE

Make Up Bag - MATRYOSHKA MOMENTS

Coin Purse - FRENCH RIDE

There’s lots of Clutches, Make Up Bags and Coin Purses all newly listed, as well as some de-stash items from my fabric cupboard – it was heaving, so really long overdue for a clear-out!

This brings me on to my next bit of new – my new nephew!  He’s not quite here yet but it’s only 2 weeks and counting, hence my mass of Wonderland-shaped productivity of late.  I wanted to get the shop stocked with goodies before his arrival so that I’m free for lots of cuddles once he’s born - not to mention the fact that I’ll be looking after his older brother for a week whilst his Mum’s recovering from the birth and my brother from the shock!  Needless to say a week as a faux-parent to a toddler would make sewing  a little bit difficult!

My final bit of new involves a story of pratfalls, slapstick and tears – I’ve had to get a new sewing machine!  This is devestating for me as not only had I not planned to bruise my already poorly bank balance by shelling out for a replacement, but I just loved my old machine.  It was a bit of a beast, far noiser than it needed to be and had the most tempremental bobbin casing ever, but it’s loss has made me appreciate it and all it’s little quirks all the more.  It made sure that it’s loss was felt though, as I was essentially attacked by my sewing machine during it’s final throes…

I’d been sewing solidly for about a week – filling up the store, making presents and finishing up all those little home alterations that I’d put on the backburner.  I think that all this effort made it just give up the ghost, and mid curtain lining it gave out a horrible death rattle and I heard a snap, a bit of a wheeze and the wheel turned no more.  So, for the next 2 hours I tried to fix it (not actually knowing what was wrong, so for all I know, I was killing it more!) but to no avail.  I found myself sitting there, sobbing in my pyjamas (it was morning still, don’t judge me) as my hands were covered in machine oil, scratched from messing with the needle and shuttle and I had the worst sore throat known to man – true, this last one isn’t the machine’s fault, but it wasn’t making me feel any better.  Frustrated and annoyed, I swore at it under my breath and stomped off – it must have heard me as I then rather balletically trip over the power wire and fall head first onto the coffee table.  To quote Moss from The It Crowd, I think I was slightly concussed and soon developed a beast of bruise across most of my forehead in a rather fetching shade of purple. 

I’ve since had to venture into Boots for some industrial concealer for my sewing machine related injury (a new contender for my wierdest sentence ever?!)  as I’m off out tonight for a fabulous birthday dinner for my lovely friend Emma, as a bunch of us take over a wonderful Mexican restaurant – and I’m not altogether sure that the assitant believes my story of violent domestic machinery as the cause of my glowing brow!

So, all the newness is ago – the new machine is in it’s box waiting to be let loose and the store is full of new goodies for you to peruse.  I may be online a bit sporadically for a while as I prepare for the arrival of the new little man in my life and I’ll be sure to introduce you all to Alfie when he debuts….

Amy at WB x.

Hey,

I’ve been meaning to post about this for an age, but I seem to have lost my online mojo lately and am only just getting on top of things!  Anyway, exciting Wonderland-shaped news – I’m stocked in a boutique!  I mentioned a few posts ago how it had always been my aim to get my little designs into an actual bricks and mortar store, and now I’ve achieved that, all with the help of the lovely Aimee of I Am…..Boutique.

Based in Prestwick, Scotland, I Am….. is the vision of Aimee, and here she stocks gorgeous fashions (Mina being my absolute favourite!) unique accessories and wonderful jewellery (including my fellow Etsian and all-round darling, Lindsay of Funky Junk Jewellery)  I so enjoyed the process of choosing fabrics and designs for her shop.  I got to source some stunning prints, in brights and monotones in the hope of creating pieces that would appeal to everyone – so here’s a sneak peek at just some of the designs that are now stocked at I Am…..

I am beyond thrilled that she’s chosen to stock a little piece of Wonderland, so if you’re in the Prestwick area, pop in and say hello and maybe snap up a Clutch Bag or Coin Purse – or two!  Oh and be sure to check out her fabulous blog Things A Boutique Owner Sees – and get inspired by her wonderful style too!

Amy at WB x

Hey,

It’s well past time for another one of my Wonderland Loves…. posts, so fresh from sharing with you the exceptional designs, creations and vintage treats of  Swell Vintage, Sisicata, The Koru Branch , Gaia Trove Chicago and Soms Studio - I’m devoting this post to the beautiful jewellery of Someplace Elsewhere.

Created by the lovely Melanie Garton, Someplace Elsewhere is home to the most stunningly contemporary and vintage-inspired jewellery designs.  From her studio on the Seattle coast, Melanie lovingly handcrafts every piece from concept to completion.  Working with a variety of raw materials that encompass her modern astethic, she weaves wire, sheet silver, copper and gems into wearable works of art.  Melanie also works with vintage finds and has recently created an exceptionally stunning and unique range of pendants and rings made from vintage milk lamps sourced from antique stores along the Seattle waterfront:

DOTTY DOTTERSON PENDANT

BACK TO SCHOOL RING

CHANGELING PENDANT

OPEN UP ZIPPER RING

So if you and yours are looking for jewellery that relsihes in the use of texture, quality gemstones and sleek settings -  then look to the inimitable and distinctive designs of Someplace Elsewhere ,where you’ll find an array of pieces that marry vintage and contemporary design into pieces to last a lifetime.

Amy at WB x

Hey,

Well I seem to have somehow managed to spend/waste the entire weekend doing nothing.  I appear to have become permanently attached to my desk chair/itunes whilst attempting to work on ideas for Wonderland Boutique.  I have been a raft of indecision all weekend – from the small (do I want hot chocolate or water to drink) to the middling (do I head to a gig on Saturday) to the monumental (do I grow my hair or not – seriously, this was a huge decision for me!)  The latter was answered when my friend/hairdresser told me that I’d basically cooked my hair by insisting on using my straighteners even after I’d applied product – which apparently boils down to me burning hairspray and was into my already drier-than-the-Sahara hair.  Ooops.  So I now have a slightly-shorter-than-usual version of my usual haircut, which I happen to love, emo fringe n’all!

So, indecision and inactivity aside, I think that to clarify my stagnant thought processes, I need to re-organise my approach to Wonderland Boutique – both metaphorically and literally.  The former will hopefully see me expand the reach of my brand, by approaching some independent boutiques who may *gulp* want to look at stocking my little wares, as well as taking the inspiration I am constantly scribbling down by developing strongly branded collections within my store.  Until now, I have always just used fabrics that appealed to me and I’ve found the prints to be a bit of a mish-mash on occasion.  So, I think it would provide some cohesion if I concentrate on developing a seasonal or cyclical range of collections – ranging from florals, to vintage-inspired prints, to kitsch fabrics, to a pleated and embellished range of pieces.  Any suggestions or comments on any of this would be greatly appreciated – do you think that collections are the way to go, or do you prefer the rather scattered and whimsied approach that I’ve previously adopted?

The literal re-organisation of  Wonderland Boutique will fall down to going through my ever-increasing collection of fabrics, threads, ribbons and the like and storing it like I’ve never stored before!  New boxes, dividers, containers (not just an excuse to buy cutesy apple-shaped pincushions and the like, I promise!) and all manner of storage solutions are calling me – clear workspace equals a clear mind after all, and hopefully a more lucid approach will invigorate my love of my own piece of Wonderland.

Amy at WB x

Oh, and here’s a random Juliette & the Licks video, for no other reason than because I just adore Juliette Lewis – she seems to illustrate the rather fractured state of mind I find myself in currently, she’s my kind of crazy!

Hey,

I have a little bit of delicous Wonderland Boutique-shaped news to share with you all!  I somewhat oddly, owe it all to Twitter, but I’m about to have some of my designs stocked in an actual boutique!  The lovely Aimee of I am…Boutique got in touch with me recently and a few tweets later, we’re in the middle of working out a wholesale deal!  I am beyond excited to be doing this, it’s always been a bit of a dream of mine to have my creations for sale in an actual bricks and mortar store, and soon enough that’s going to come true.  I’m honestly so thrilled about it, as I’ve never had much faith in my little corner of Etsy before now, but fingers crossed this much-needed boost will inspire me to enhance my store and my brand and take Wonderland Boutique just as far as I can take her.  So, come Christmas, if you’re in the Prestwick area and you have a hankering for a Clutch Bag or Coin Purse – then just head over to I am… and snap up a piece of Wonderland!

As part of our little endeavour, Aimee and I have joined forces on a fabulous giveaway of some Wonderland Boutique goodies!  There is a Clutch Bag and matching Coin Purse up for grabs over at her wonderful blog Things a Boutique Owner Sees, both are  in my trademark polka dot print and have ribbon trim and buttons galore:

WONDERLAND BOUTIQUE AND I AM... GIVEAWAY

 All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning, is head on over to the Wonderland Boutique blog post and leave a comment there – it is as easy as that!  However, if you really love them and want extra entries then Tweet about the giveaway if you are on Twitter and post a link to this post on your own blog – each gets one more entry into the giveaway!  The giveaway is open worldwide and will close on 28th July 2009.

Good luck!

Amy at WB x

Hey,

Thought that one of my Wonderland Loves…. posts was long overdue, so having previously shared with you the wondrous creations of the independent designers, fashionistas and Etsians that are Swell Vintage, Sisicata, The Koru Branch and Gaia Trove Chicago - I want to dedicate this little blurb to the lovely Soms Studio. 

Established by the wonderful Som, this fabulous corner of Etsy is home to her stunning self-taught jewellery creations and supplies.  Utilisng her self-proclaimed status as a gem-aholic, Som teams the most beautiful stones, beads, metals and pearls to design jewellery that is truly elegant, understated and wholly unique.  Made with uber-professionalism and striking attention to detail, Som takes customer service to a new high.  Wearing one of Som’s designs is akin to wearing art, as she layers rhinestones, emeralds and rubies with touches of silver, copper and florals to create pieces that speak of classic inspiration and subtle modernity: 

SILVER BANGLE

 So if you and yours are looking for some simply stunning jewellery, or the supplies to make some of your own with (she is actually having a massive gemstone sale at the moment, so now may be the best time to pick up your own pieces of jewelled heaven), then look no further than the wonderful creations of Soms Studio.

Amy at WB x