Etsy Craft Party- Durban

Hi Everyone. Today's post is all about the Etsy Craft Party that took place in Durban last week!

For those of you who don't know what Etsy is (and if not have you been hiding under a rock?), It is an online craft market of sorts. A place where only handmade, craft supplies or vintage goods can be sold. It has stores from all around the world selling AMAZING products and Magpie Calls has an Etsy store, but is only doing bellydance goods through it at the moment! Anyway, Etsy has decided to have a worldwide craft party to celebrate community, handmade goods and creativity. Cities all over the globe crafted together on the 20th June. So much fun!

Durban's craft party (and we were for once ahead of Joburg and Cape Town having the only one in SA) was organised by Nadia van der Mescht and her great team. It was held at The Upstairs at Spiga in Florida Road. We arrived to a goodie bag, some great pizzas from Spiga and got to make some fun gift tags as a group. Some great sponsored prizes were also given out! It was relaxed, crafty, and a nice way to get to meet fellow crafters. It was about 95% women so decor was sufficiently girly. I took some pics , but please excuse the bad quality of some as I have yet to master the right setting for low indoor light!

Here are some pics of the decor and craft set up:

Here is a pic of me and the wonderful host Nadia.

The tags I made at the party:

The goodie bag was filled with wonderful stuff- stickers, a biscuit iced like a button, a yummy macaroon from Daniellas, washi tape, a big lollipop,and a gift tag.

I also won a water bottle from Consol- perfect for dance practices.

Overall it was a fun evening! Thanks to the team that organised it and made it a success! Durban Rocks!

love and shimmies

Outfit Inspiration!

Hellooooooo

This week I decided to have some fun making up some pretend outfits to go with various Magpie Calls accessories. With the help of www.polyvore.com I was able to make these inspiration boards to give you all an idea of how my creations can work with your wardrobes. As you can see there is something for every style and this is only a smattering of my collection!

• This first board includes one of my signature fabric flowers in a really pretty light teal! The outfit I imagined to go with it is a casual classic look, with dark wash jeans, a white shirt and beautiful teal blazer with black jewellery and comfy flats. perfect for a first date, or a shopping trip with friends!

• This second board includes a trio of varying red fabric flowers which can be used as a hair clip or a brooch. For this outfit I imagined a sexy and smart affair, like a cocktail party or even a chic wedding! A LBD is paired with red accessories and beautiful red and black heels and a cute bow bag.The flowers would accent the hair.  It is finished off with red lips and dark lined eyes. Smoking hot!
  
  

• The third board is a monochrome delight! Funky but classic look with amazing print pants, a crisp white shirt and my lace beaded detachable collar. Accenting this are comfy black flats, spiky layer rings and dangly earrings, finished off with some black frame lenses. This would make a great work outfit, smart but playful, and extremely comfy too!
  

• Fourth board is all about a casual weekend look! Natural tones and leather are the focus, accessorised by my dangle horn earrings in old gold and bronze tones. A "tribally" looking ring and pendant necklace finish off the look! Would be great for meeting friends for lunch on the weekend or going to watch a show!
  
  

• Fifth look is all about the fun! Bright colour blocking with pink and blues make this a youthful outfit fit for a party, a day at the mall, watching movies, going to markets and hanging out with friends, also great for a busy mom! Simple jeans and t-shirt combo gets a bright makeover and my fabric wrapped and flower bangle ties it all together perfectly!
  
  

• Sixth look is Boho fresh. My hand beaded statement necklace with vintage buttons plays off a printed maxi skirt and loose cami beautifully. Casual chic at its best with chunky bangles, a skinny red belt, tassle flat sandles and a leather bag! This is a great look for fashionable moms and teens and  would be great to wear at a concert, festival or at a braai/bbq with friends!
  
  

• Last but not least is this seventh look. A retro outfit in black, white and green! My wire wrap green velvet headband with vintage button goes great with a pretty lace shirt and tweed pencil leg pants. Dark green heels and a chunky green and gold ring add that pop of colour, while the retro look sunglasses give that 60's feel to the outfit! A look that is great for dates, work, going to art galleries, and having lunch with the girls!
  
  

Well I hope you have enjoyed seeing some outfit ideas, I know I had fun  compiling them!

Remember if you would like to pin to pinterest just "hover" over the photos and it will allow you to pin directly!

As always any comments or feedback is appreciated.

Why not tell me about your favourite outfits. What events would you wear the different outfits to? What accessories would you add or take away from the different looks?

much love and shimmies

It's all in the details

Hi Everyone!

Today for the first official post I decided to post some "detail" shots of some of the creations I have been working on. These in particular are being made for a bellydance event happening at the end of June. Check here for details of the show Roh Masr.I will be vending during the workshops.

I have added a hover "pin it" button for all my posts and images, if you have Pinterest and want to pin anything to your boards please use the pin it buttons so it links directly back to my blog!

 

 

Hope you enjoyed the bling!
Stay tuned for a new post which will be accessory and outfit inspiration this week!
If you want to keep updated on posts fill in your email in the box on the right!

much love and shimmies

Magpie Calls gets blogging!

Hi Everyone. This is the first post of the new Magpie Calls blog. The aim is to post interesting sites, new goodies from M*Cs , inspiration, crafty ideas and some fun behind the scenes pics to get to know me better!