Gemma, handmakes many of our personalised gifts such as the 10 Things I Love About You boxes, Vintage Map Cufflinks and Personalised Candles during her working day here at PTD. A clever crafter both at work and in the home, we are not surprised to see she has got her colours beautifully in sync as well as plenty of character trickling from her 16 treasured possessions...
1. My Charm Necklace
After I left for university, my mother and I began a tradition of exchanging charms for special occasions. We both have one, though they look very different. And each charm is significant. Along the way, others have begun to add to it as well. It has become a sort of diary, and helps to commemorate the people, places and dates that mean the most to me.
2. Cynefin Necklace
This is my most recent favourite things, acquired only yesterday in fact! My first piece of Posh Totty Designs jewellery, and I felt like indulging, I mean, it IS my birthday soon.
A 9ct Rose gold tag necklace, personalised with ˜Cynefin' stamped onto it, a welsh word that doesn't translate directly into English. It means ˜ A place a person feels they ought to live, and where nature feels right and welcoming'. The word itself is beautiful, but means even more to me, as Wales is that for me. A place I love, that I have many connections too, with deep family roots and somewhere my partner and I both hope to return to live someday.
Paired with a Lucky Diamond Wishbone necklace (good luck, beautiful and holds memories of roast dinners with my mammy), and hanging on a 9ct rose gold chain, I think it's beautiful, and means a lot to me.
3. My Grandma's Charm Bracelet
My Grandma gave me this for my 21st Birthday. I am the eldest of all the Grandchildren (and, I like to think, I'm the favourite of course!) and so it was passed down to me. Each charm on the bracelet was given to her by my Grandad and holds a special significance to her. I love it! So many have moving parts, and there is even a book that opens with pictures inside! It's amazing to own such a piece of personal family history. My Grandma gave it to me with love, and trust to look after it. So I rarely wear it, and keep it safe. I hope one day to pass it on to my own children/grandchildren.
4. Rings
These are my mum's wedding rings, and she has passed them on to me. There is an 18ct one and a 24ct one, that once belonged to my Grandma, my mum's mother. I wear them every day, and very rarely do they leave my finger.
5. Pewter Welsh love spoon
Another Welsh connection. My mum was born and grew up in Cardiff, got married there and I went to university there. This spoon was given to me for my 21st birthday. Welsh love spoons have a great history and were originally made by men as courting presents to express his intentions towards the girl. Each element represents a special sort of symbolism.
I hang this in my bedroom and look at it every day. I also have a Love Spoon tattoo, and my mum has one that matches!
6. Tiggle (The rather ragged teddy)
Tiggle was given to me when I was a newborn and was formerly a lovely fluffy snow leopard. He has been my companion for as long as I can remember. All that loving shows as he's now low losing his fur, stuffing and his spots! I don't love him any less (and he may even still sleep in my bed with my partner and I!)
7. Accessorize Scarf
This lovely mustard yellow creation was a Christmas present this year, and I haven't stopped wearing it since. It's the perfect weight, colour and is so soft! I just love it. I want another.
8. Illustrated Harry Potter Book (The Philosopher's Stone)
Another Christmas present and represents more than just this book. I LOVE Harry Potter, grew up with it, read all the books and saw all the movies. This book is filled with the most beautiful watercolour illustrations and I couldn't recommend it more! Whether for an adult fan or as an introduction to HP for young children, it's amazing.
9. Barry M Gelly Nail Varnish
Barry M is amazing in general, but these nail varnishes are the absolute bomb! The colours are so bright, and the paint so thick, it rarely needs more than one coat. I usually can't pick just one colour, so wear them all at once on each nail!
10. Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipsticks
I honestly can't recommend these lipsticks more. My favourite colour is Hot Pepper, which is the most amazing orangey red, and so bright and vibrant! The lipstick is super matt, and once dry, doesn't smudge at all! Lasts all night, and doesn't dry out my lips. I'm determined to collect all of the colours eventually.
11. Ellie Saab Le Parfum
Expensive, but long-lasting. I love this perfume, it's very strong so I use it sparingly, but it's the perfect mixture of sweet and musky. It's a great evening perfume, very luxurious.
12. Mills & Boon Romance Books
Sothese are my guilty pleasure! I used to collect them, still do really. I love the vintage ones, the cover illustrations are just the absolute best. They are easy reading and full of fluff. Good with tea and a biscuit.
13. Bird Embroidery
This was my first ever attempt at embroidery, and I think it came out well! Since them, my skills have really improved, but this was free hand, and done on the fly. I love it though and it hangs in my flat.
14. Crochet Hook
This is a Clover Armour crochet hook, and is just the best thing to crochet with. They have a range of them in different sizes and colours. I crochet a lot, and this is my favourite hook. I taught myself how to crochet in my last year of university and now I only do it in my spare time. I hope at some point I'll be able to sell the stuff I make.
15. Mother-Daughter Portrait
Last year, I spent the weekend in London with my Mum. We saw a musical, had champagne and afternoon tea, went to Brick Lane on Sunday where we took in the Renegade Craft Fair and had a look at all the amazing crafts and artists. Illustrator Emma Block was there, taking commissions for live portraits. I love her style, I couldn't resist. So I decided to get this painted, to commemorate such a great weekend. I love it, and wouldn't hesitate to get another! (Instagram of Illustrator @emmablockillustration, she also has a website. emmablock.co.uk
16. Chinese Embroidery Ornament
I found this is a Car Boot sale in Brighton Marina! I actually found two of them (both different) and managed to get them for only £5. I've never actually seen anything like these and the embroidery on them is so delicate. I think it has a lot of character and is my favourite ever car boot find! It hangs on the wall by my desk here in the PTD Craft Department.
