{ four I adore . Etsy Made Local & a weekend of loveliness . Part Two }

And so, on Monday I mentioned there were two Etsy Markets happening in Birmingham this weekend. After featuring the market hosted by Ideas Birmingham, it is now the turn of the Winter Makers Market hosted by Birmingham Originals. Held on Saturday and Sunday, in the beautiful Banqueting Suite at the Council House, it was full of even more local makers, artists, and craftspeople. The festive spirit was alive and well, and there was a hum of people buying gifts for others, and quite possibly a few for themselves too. 

For the full line up of all the creatives who were there, pop over to Birmingham Original's Facebook page, but for now, here are four that I particularly adored.

 . Charlotte Clark Designer Maker .

Quirky, macabre, and curious, are the words that pop up on Charlotte's about page, and I'm not sure I could sum her work up any better. Using beautiful bone china, Charlotte makes pieces for the home, both useful and decorative, all having a wonderfully dark edge. Skulls and skeletons adorn the most seemingly innocent of homewear, giving an unexpected twist to the simplest of things.

Oh, and I can think of more than a few people who would appreciate her range of greetings cards, in particular her 'I love your ( resting bitch ) face'! 

 . Salt and Sail .

I have a sneaky suspicion that this is not the first time that I've shown a little love for Salt and Sail. A mother and daughters knitting team who hand knit some of the most beautifully simple babywear, that make this fellow knitter sigh a little with envy. Their stall on Saturday didn't disappoint, and the box full of these bootees adorned with pom pom's couldn't fail to make the hardest of hearts coo just a little. 

 . Doricica Dolls .

I've admired Doricica Dolls from afar for a while now, so to be able to see them on Saturday, and have a brief chat with Doriana herself, was a real delight. I desperately wish I had a little girl to buy one of these darling dolls for. The detail, and the workmanship is just lovely, and the dolls have such wonderful personalities.

Doriana's stall looked equally lovely, and I doubt I would have been the only one to stand chatting whilst wishing desperately that I was either five years old again, or had a vaguely justifiable reason why I needed one myself.

. Little Penn .

Finally I'm sharing the very lovely Little Penn and her beautiful illustrations and prints. Her work has a simplicity about it, and is wonderfully delicate and illustrative. Birds and botanicals are a recurrent theme, stamped in monochrome onto paper and cloth. One particular little print caught my eye, and is that one thing that I now can't stop thinking about, and wish I'd now bought.

At the moment her Etsy shop is on a short break, but as soon as it's open again I think I'll be popping that particular little print in my basket to buy.

{ have a happy day }

{ Etsy Made Local . & . a weekend of local loveliness . Part One }

Birmingham was awash with makers and markets this weekend, with not one, but three Christmas Markets taking place.  The Bond, the Council Chambers and the Custard Factory were humming with Christmas carols and the scent of mulled wine. Although the German Market was it's usual busy self, it was heartening to see so many people taking time out to visit these smaller markets.

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We're lucky enough to have two local Etsy groups in Birmingham, each hosting their own market at the weekend. When you pop along to these markets you start to realise how many wonderful creatives there are in and around the city, many managing to squeeze in all that making around their other jobs.

Ideas Birmingham were the hosts of the event at the Custard Factory. This was the third event held by the group, and this year's event looked set to top the 2,000 that flocked to Digbeth last year. Held on Friday and Saturday, with a line up of sellers that included artists, potters, makers of jewellery, macrame and much more.  When I popped along on Saturday the market was nicely busy, and it was lovely to find new makers that I'd not spotted before.

BPiancaCeramics and HannahKyriakouDesign were both new to me. Barbara's ceramics and Hannah's jewellery are both inspired by nature, and have a beautiful simplicity about them. I particularly loved Hannah's silver poppy rings, which she makes in three complimentary sizes that are just perfect for stacking and wearing all together. Just lovely.

Also inspired by nature is painter and paper artist Lottie, of PaperInkAlchemy. Her amazingly intricate and detailed moth is sadly sold out on Etsy, but fortunately there are still lots of lovely things to find, such as this Silver Lining's Papercut.

One lovely maker I didn't see, but wish I had, is Alli of LCTLY. Selling at Friday's market, her wonderful woven wall hangings are all individual, one off, creations. They are also lovely enough to make me start thinking about adding a handloom to my Christmas wish list!

I always feel that I shouldn't have favourites at these fairs, though invariably I do. Ideas Birmingham very kindly gave me some vouchers to spend at the market, and as soon as I stopped at Rosario's stall I had an inkling they'd be spent there. Originally from Chile, now living in Birmingham, Rosario is a printmaker, producing the loveliest prints and cards from woodcuts. Many are inspired by the landscape of her home country, others by nature and botanicals. And one is now happily sitting on my desk at home.

{ photo credit . paper ink alchemy }

And so another marvellous market is over. I'll be posting a few of my favourites from the other Etsy Made Local market later in the week, and I hope that if you've still got Christmas gifts still to buy these posts might inspire a few ideas.

{ have a happy day }

Disclaimer: Ideas Birmingham very kindly invited me along to the market, and generously gave me some vouchers to spend whilst there. However, all ramblings, musings and thoughts are my own.

{ inspired#20 . Birmingham . Artists . & . Creatives }

. inspired#20 .

Be immersed in her diversity without effort

celebrate the many who give in principle

to follow forward

52° North

. Roi Kwabena .

clockwise from centre

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Being my home city, I've always had a fondness for Birmingham, even through the years when it's reputation wasn't the best. When I was little a trip to Birmingham was a small adventure, with best coats being worn, and the train journey making it seem that it was a far and distant place. It was the place where we were treated to fancy cakes at Druckers, visits to Father Christmas at either Lewis's or Rackhams. Later trips into town were with friends on a Saturday morning, spending pocket money, or money earned babysitting in Boots, Chelsea Girl, and at the original Oasis.

Like many cities it's changed hugely since those early trips to see Santa. The Bullring is no longer  the place to hunt down a bargain at the markets, now home to the infamous silver disc clad Selfridges. New Street Station has been transformed from dark, and slightly seedy, to the shiny and bright Grand Central. Birmingham can also hold it's own as a city encouraging creatives, designers and makers. Alongside the more established art galleries and museums, there is a thriving street art community in Digbeth, with the Custard Factory playing host to many independent traders, and supporting the ever growing foodie community.

And we also have our fair share of pop-ups, craft and artisan markets, which is how I'll be spending my next few Saturdays.

 . PaperDoll Handmade . The Custard Factory . 25th November .

This Saturday sees the PaperDolls return to The Custard Factory as part of the Digmas celebrations, hosting a vast array of super talented makers and designers. Entry is free, and they'll be a Santa's Grotto, a host of street food vendors, story telling and cookie & cake decorating for the little Ones, and a mulled wine and cider bar for all the bigger Ones.

. Winter Seasonal Market . The Bond . 2nd December .

Now in it's fourth year, the Seasonal Markets have become a regular feature on my calendar, none so more than the Winter one, which always feels like the start to the Festive season. A slightly smaller craft market than PaperDolls, but with a courtyard packed full of street food, cocktail and gin caravans and much more, it's definitely as much fun. Entry is £2 on the door, and if the weather is dry it can get super super busy, though somehow that just adds to the cosiness of it all.

. Etsy . Made Local . The Custard Factory . 1st/2nd December .

Also taking place on that first weekend in December is the Birmingham Etsy Made Local, hosted by IDEAS Birmingham. Returning to The Custard Factory for the third time, it's part of the Etsy pop up markets being held up and down the country that weekend. Playing host to over 50 Etsy sellers over two days, including the super talented Brumhaus, featured in today's inspired board. Entry is free and with different sellers each day take a look at their blog posts here and here for the lineup on each day.

{ have a happy day }

{ popping up at the we are pop POPup Christmas Market }

A weekend of firsts for me. My first Christmas market of the year, and my first market as a maker rather than a visitor.  I'm not sure I could have picked a friendlier one to start with either, and with it being the first hosted by the very lovely we are POP, and the first for a few other stall holders too, it had an air of nervous excitement and anticipation.

Our venue was The Granary, at Wykham Park Farm.  Tucked away in the scenic Oxfordshire countryside it seemed a perfect fit for the twenty designers, makers, and independents that came along. It may only be November, but with the log fire burning, twinkly lights sparkling, and glittery Christmas trees dotted here and there, you were suddenly reminded that the festive season isn't too far away now.

During one of the few quiet moments of the day I did manage to take a look around, and it was so lovely to talk to the other people there; to glean words of wisdom from those who'd been doing this a little longer than me, and to share 'new girl' worries with the other first timers. It almost feels wrong to pick favourites from those who were there, but here are some of the makers who made me sigh with envy, and made my Christmas wish list just a little longer.

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Firstly a big thank you to my lovely neighbours for the day, Amy of Ama Ama, and Claire of Little m. The prize for the steadiest hand of the day must go to Claire, who was personalising her prints and Christmas baubles on the day.

The Smallish House is someone I've admired on Instagram for a while, so it was lovely to see her beautiful prints in real life.  Charlie Pie Designs were a lovely new find. British icons are given a mid-century twist and printed onto cushions, lampshades, and notebooks, in wonderfully fresh colour ways.

And lastly, sitting opposite to me, A Tribe Well Dressed. Capturing the trend for personalisation in colourful, quirky appliques, and a relative newcomer, like myself.

{ photo credit . we are POP } 

{ photo credit . Buzzy Beans Coffee }

My biggest thank you should probably go to Buzzy Beans Coffee, for supplying me with incredibly good coffee through the day.

{ photo credit . Gemma Harris Designs }

There were so many highlights during the day, from the compliments about my stand, and my beanies and blankets, chatting with all the lovely visitors, making my first ever sale, but amongst all those was having my first go on a letterpress. After watching, with envy, the children all taking a turn, I couldn't resist asking Gemma if I could have a go too. Such good fun . . . though now I'm having to stop myself googling letterpress machines for sale!

Once again, a big thank you to everyone who came along, said hello, stopped to chat, and who bought something too. It really is true that when you buy from a small business an actual person does a little happy dance.

{ have a happy day }

{ pop up + hustle }

I absolutely love spotting a new pop up market happening, and the Pop Up + Hustle hosted a few weekends ago by Studio NL, was a particular gem. Studio NL are a small business, making their own screen printed goods as Young Double, whilst running their workshop, a space where others can watch them work, shop and as they so delightfully describe it, have a cup of tea and learn something new.

The market held on the last weekend of July was their first, with a refreshing mix of independent designers to discover. Their workshop is a deceptive space, a little like a tardis. It appears modest in size from the outside, and yet managed to hold a myriad of makers inside. There was a lovely buzz in the air, and even though it was a grey sort of a day, there was a crowd of shoppers happily browsing not too long after it opened.

As is usually the case, choosing my favourites from the day has not been easy, but here are my highlights from my visit.

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I stood talking to Rob and Syreeta from Moments of Sense and Style for quite a while, sharing stories of Hong Kong and Sydney. The story behind their brand is bittersweet; after meeting in Hong Kong they travelled to Sydney, where Rob suffered a brain haemorrhage, leading to their return home to Lincoln. As part of his rehabilitation, Rob began drawing, and it's these illustrations, along with products that evoke memories of each of those special places, which are the soul of MOSS. The stylish simplicity of their products is wonderful, every detail is so beautifully thought out and considered, and the colours and scents are so true to each of those places, familiar to those who have been, and a glimpse to those who haven't.

Little m has been a favourite shop of mine on Etsy for a while, so it was lovely to see all Claire's doodles and drawings in real life. Named after her little boy, Max, all her work starts off the old fashioned way, with pencil and paper. Cute characters come to life in black and white, sitting alongside hand drawn type in quotes and affirmations. The same, but also completely different, was Tipperleyhill. Roz and Abbie, two best friends, creating the quirkiest of animal artworks for your wall. Miller the Flamingo didn't quite make it home with me, but I hovered with him in my hand for a long long while!

Philippa, of Phirefly Designs, was super busy on her laptop, customising her gorgeous artworks for people to take away that day. Alongside her prints, Philippa has designed a small collection for babies and children, soft jersey pieces developed in her own prints. Both ranges have a feel for adventure, and are inspired by her love of the outdoors, nature and camping, none more so than the enamel Take Me To The Mountains mug shown above.

Finally we have Stalf, a range of women's wear, which is the embodiment of the concept of slow living. Designed and made in their studio in Lincolnshire, it's another brand with a sweet story behind it. Named after her grandparent's Stella and Alf, and remembering a time when clothes were bought to wear for years, not seasons. Simple silhouettes, in subdued tones and stripes, each garment is made to order. The quality, and timelessness of each piece makes it easy to imagine that you'll still be wearing them for years to come.

{ photo credit . OhMerde }

A few shots from the day, oh, and winner of The cutest use of the Vespa goes to Rachel of Oh Merde on Instagram. I often regret that my lack of offspring means I never get to take cute pics like this! 

{ photo credit . HAHonline }

If, having read all this, you are now crying into your coffee for having missed it all, fear not. The next Pop Up + Hustle is happening very very soon, on the 2nd and 3rd of September. Start saving your pennies now, and read a little more about it over here.

{ have a happy day }

{ a cornucopia of cupcakes . ten delightful cupcake recipes for cupcake day )

This should have been a fun post to research and write, instead it's been a huge reminder of all the delicious sweetness I can't indulge in at the moment. I'm on week four of an elimination diet, to see if there is a particular food which has been causing me to feel, well, not quite myself. Most of the time the no gluten, diary, eggs, sugar, caffeine and nuts has not been too much of a problem. Unfortunately baking, and particularly cakes, is one of those areas where gluten, dairy, eggs and sugar are fairly key ingredients, and my attempts at baking without them have not proven too successful.

So I will resolve myself to a few more weeks without cake, and whilst I won't be able to join in with the eating of cupcakes on Cupcake Day, thankfully it doesn't preclude me from baking some to raise a little money for the Alzheimer's Society. This year Cupcake Day falls on 15th June, and people up and down the country will be baking, buying and eating cupcakes in order to raise money for this wonderful cause. And to help you on your way I've compiled a little inspiration, a cornucopia of cupcake recipes, from the most classic of vanilla, to one's brightened by berries, those of the darkest chocolate, and a few more besides.  Surely there is one here to tickle everybody's taste buds.

{ Victoria Sponge . Vegan Funfetti }

{ Chocolate Cherry . Olive Oil with Berry Buttercream . Lemon Blueberry }

{ Chocolate . S'mores } 

{ Peanut Butter & Caramel . Café au Lait . Sweet Potato & Marshmallow }

So which is your favourite?

I don't think you can beat a classically simple Vanilla, but then again that Chocolate Cupcake looks so incredibly inviting.  But can you beat the combination of cherries and chocolate?

Can I have more than one favourite?

For lots more tempting cupcake inspiration pop over to take a look on my pinterest board.

{ cup . cake }

Just maybe eat first, so you don't drool too much whilst looking!

{ have a happy day }

{ local ♥︎ . meeting makers at the Makers Market }

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Writing about my first Summer market seems strange, as I'm listening to the wind gusting, and the rain lashing against the window.  Then again, isn't this what we expect from a traditional British Summer?

That said, I'm pleased to say that the sun shone for most of Saturday, and I strolled along to the Quartermaster's Artisan Makers Market wearing sunglasses and eyeing up the coffee and croissants being enjoyed at the tables set up outside most of the Jewellery Quarters coffee shops.  The market was held at the very lovely 1000 Trades.  My first visit to this friendly neighbourhood bar and kitchen, which is housed in a converted jewellery workshop, and does much to support local artists and crafts.  

Whilst the market may not be a big one, there was a really lovely mix of artisans there;  painters, embroiderers, ceramicists, illustrators and sign makers.  Set over two floors, it was busy enough not to feel conspicuous, not so much so that you couldn't have a good look at all the goods on offer.  The makers were wonderfully friendly, chatting and taking time to tell you a little about their crafts, and very obliging of my ( slight ) re-arrangement of their stalls in order to take some pictures for this post.

Dolly and Beau is Georgia, or as she describes herself on her Etsy shop, one mama and her sewing machine.  Named after her daughters, she makes baprons ( it's a bib and it's an apron ) in an array of super soft oil cloth prints.  However, it was these cute, monochrome cushions that caught my eye. Perfectly soft and squishy, and doesn't that panda almost say 'take me home'?

Emma Blue seems to be a girl after my own heart, and my denim jacket is now adorned with 'dream' and 'bookworm' badges courtesy of a small purchase at the market. Making things from paper and fabric, she is inspired by books, libraries, music, tea and maps. Another book inspired maker was Tigerlily Makes, who's Alice range I fell a little in love with. Inspired by the classic Alice in Wonderland, is a range of cards, clothes and china.  I particularly loved the china mugs, and teapots, all illustrated with either Alice, or the White Rabbit.

One of the first stall's I stopped by was Chloe's.  Her quirky illustrative style can't help but draw you in to look further, and I was very tempted to buy her 'Do What You Love' print for myself. And probably would have done, if not for treating myself to a fabulous floral embroidery hoop from The Barmy Fox. Tory's stall was full of tempting delights, with the sweetest, and sassiest, embroidered badges sitting alongside more embroidered hoops.

Now to save my pennies back up again for the next Summer market which is just next weekend! Shall I start praying now for another sunny day?

{ have a happy day }

{ a few good eggs }

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The sun is shining, I've just spent most of the weekend outside, and it really does feel as if Spring has finally arrived.  And with the long Easter weekend approaching, I think we're all hoping that this lovely weather holds on just a little bit longer.

As last week I shared some very lovely bunnies with you,  this week I've been on the hunt for Easter eggs.  I've resisted the temptation to share the wealth of chocolate eggs out there, instead sharing lovely ideas for eggs of the non-chocolate variety, though in my opinion they are still just as sweet.

// eggs painted & doodled in on-trend hues of copper, pink, black & white.

// eggs painted & hand calligraphed with happy easter wishes.

// the unicorn trend continues unabated.

// the secret language of eggs.

// bunnies + eggs = super cute easter eggs

So, who's now rushing off to turn their eggs into unicorns?

{ have a happy day }

{ happy friday }

{ 1 } Hello Spring.

{ 2 } For all you truly Scrumptious Mummy's. 

{ 3 } For all you mini Frida Kahlo's.

{ 4 } Etsy find of the week. OffOn.  Mummy & Me vintage dresses. 

{ 5 } Take a quiet moment to watch Katy Livings make her heirloom dolls.

{ 6 } These cushions.  

       Because you can never, ever, have too many comfy cushions.

{ 7 } These scissors.  

      Because you can never, ever, have too many pretty scissors. 

{ 8 } Thank you to my mama for my love of reading, knitting, baking.

      And so much more.

{ 9 } Beautifully curated Mother's Day gifts from Anthropologie.

{ + } And once you've spent all your pennies on gorgeous gifts for your mum,

       you can make these Broke Girl Truffles as an extra little thank you.

{ have a happy day }

{ happy friday }

{ 1 } Hurrah.  It's pie day.  ( Well, pie week actually, but pie day rhymed so much better )

{ 2 } Stunning.  New spring collection.  Designed by Mummymoon, shared by Junior Style.

{ 3 } Cute.  Tiny T-Strap shoes.  Designed by Starry Knight Designs, spotted on Pinterest.   

{ 4 } Hello Little Bear.  Handmade by Sprout.

{ 5 } Etsy find of the week.  The Letter Loft.  A little in love with the copper letter lights ♥︎ 

{ 6 } The loveliest lightweight printed denims from Guthrie Ghani.

{ 7 } The loveliest handmade pink plates from KCHossack Pottery.

{ 8 } The creative process.  At the moment still feeling 1. possibly about to trip into 2.

{ 9 } Stitch Life.  Beautiful garden embroidery patterns.

{ + } #sourdoughgoals strawberry & apple pie doughnuts from My Daily Sourdough Bread.

{ have a happy day }

{ happy friday }

{ 1 } The prettiest stamps.  For the prettiest mail by Vintage Postage Shop.

{ 2 } The prettiest faffing.  Behind the scenes at Bob&Blossom.

{ 3 } The coolest boyswear.  New season's collection from Morley.

{ 4 } ♥︎ The dress.

{ 5 } Mini mood board love.

{ 6 } ♥︎ The skirt.

{ 7 } Cute colourful shoe love.

{ 8 } Here's to the ones who dream { of a Best Movie Oscar }.  Good luck La La Land.

{ 9 } I Spy one little red nose hiding in this pretty flatlay.  Mollie Makes Crafternoon is coming.

{ + } Next Tuesday, embrace Sweden's Fat Tuesday with these cardamom scented Semlor Buns.

{ have a happy day }

{ happy friday }

{ 1 } feeling a lot of love for this #shelfie. from the ever fabulous Fabulous Places.

{ 2 } feeling a lot of love for Betsy Hare. stitched by hand by Thicket & Thimble.

{ 3 } would be feeling very cosy in this Roxy dress. pattern by Knitting for Olive. 

{ 4 } how gorgeous is this darkly cosy bedroom? and the rest of Niina's blog is gorgeous too.

{ 5 } a little reminder that Valentine's Day draws ever closer.  are you feeling the love yet?

{ 6 } still lusting after anything knitted & cosy.  Yes, Nolita Sweater, I'm talking about you!

{ 7 } another talented new discovery this week.  Clare Owen Illustrations.  #love.

{ 8 } ' Don't stress the could haves.  What should have would have ' #true.

{ 9 } if you love to sew, sign up to the VeryBerryHandmade hoop swap by Midnight tonight.

{ + } my weekend pick me up. Espresso Caramel BabyCakes #yum.

{ have a happy day }

{ happy friday }

{ 1 } Simply lovely Nellystella dress.  Styled beautifully by hello1234.

{ 2 } Simply lovely SkirtNo.206.  Styled beautifully by Little Kin Journal. 

{ 3 } Simply lovely new find.  Beautiful homeware by Camomile London.

{ 4 } Beautiful bootees in the making.  By Sarah.

{ 5 } Melancholic portraits of lonely houses.  Captured by Manuel Pita.  

{ 6 } Embroidered miniatures of pretty houses.  Embroidered by House Wren Studio.

{ 7 } Illustrated pictures of fairytale houses.  Drawn by Federico Babina. 

{ 8 } Hope.

{ 9 } Love this collection of jello moulds. And, love the accompanying caption:

Old jello moulds: 'Buy me.' Me: 'No.' Old jello moulds: 'Sad face.' Me: 'Ok".

{ + } This cake has snack in it's title.  It's almost giving you permission to eat it all day.

 Everyday.

{ have a happy day }

{ happy friday }

{ 1 } That Friday the 13th feeling. Summed up here.

{ 2 } Cats are always a good idea. Adorning your tights.

{ 3 } Or. Adorning your wellies.

{ 4 } Dream sweet dreams under this mobile.

{ 5 } A January dream list. From the Simple Things.

{ 6 } Catch your dreams. With a homemade dream catcher.

{ 7 } Chase your dreams. With a Winter Workshop.

{ 8 } All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. So true.

{ 9 } Time spent collecting beautiful things is never wasted.

{ + } Patiently waiting for the recipe for these madeleines. Madeleines it's been too long.

{ have a happy day }

. a lOvely . { free + perfectly printable } . 2017 calendar .

i'm absolutely sure that you're all a lot more organised than me . & . already have calendars and diaries for 2017 all sorted out . bUt . just in case you haven't then { in the words of BluePeter } here's one i made earlier !

i'm working on giving lily+Bloom a bit of a new look . she's starting to look a little tired and in need of a new image . this may take a little while so please don't hold your breaths . in the meantime next years calendar gives you a little sneak peek into what the future may look like .

the calendar comes in two sizes . little + large . { well it's that between christmas & new year time when thinking any harder than this is just . well . too hard . forgive me ! } . the little one is perfect for taping up on the wall at home . one month at a time . or . every month to view the whole year ahead . it's also a great size for keeping to hand on your desk . just pop into a card holder and switch the months as they go by .

the larger one works well on a clipboard . or in my case . a piece of cord board cut a little bigger than the calendar with a bull dog clip to secure it in place . or . you can punch holes in the top and string with some { neon } ribbon to hang anywhere you have a little wall space .

. 2017calendar . the little one .

{ four months to a page . print on A4 cardstock }

. 2017calendar . the large one .

{ two months to a page . print on A4 cardstock }

i'd love to know what you think of the calendar . & . once you've downloaded it and printed it would love to see how you display it ?

i will leave you to enjoy { or endure ? } the last few days of this year . & . i think everyone will breathe a collective sigh once we start to welcome 2017 into the world .

. have a hAppy dAy .