Wooden Wall Letters - Sweet Dreams for Nursery or Bedroom

I've had some unpainted MDF letters spelling "Sweet Dreams" laid across my utility room worktop for at least 3 weeks now, begging to be decorated.  They were for my girls' bedroom wall, but because everything else is always more of a priority it's taken me a while to get around to painting them. 

BUT I've finally done it and I'm, really pleased with how they look.  In fact I couldn't be more pleased (*slightly* smug grin), things don't always turn out exactly how I picture them, but they did in this case. 

Wooden Wall Letters - Sweet Dreams Rose Buds & Beads

They both already have their names across the top of their beds, both with a butterfly theme so I wanted to create something different for their Sweet Dreams.  I decided on rose buds and white beads as it matched perfectly with my older daughters bedsheets, which is the bed you see when you walk into the room.

The wall space is quite large so I went for 20cm high letters so together they take up a lot of room.  Sweet is 86cm long and Dreams is 113cm long, so I'd only recommend this size if you do have the space (unless you are only using one name / word). 
 

Wooden Wall Letters - Sweet Dreams Rose Buds & Beads

Wooden Wall Letters - Pink Rose Buds

So, what do you think?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  I'll post some more pictures up when they are up on the wall (which let's face it, could take another 3 weeks!).  I have plans for said wall, so would be good to see if that works out as it should too ;o).

xx

P.S If you're looking for wooden wall letters - don't forget to check our website - we have loads of different designs, colours and sizes:

• Wooden letters for boys   
• Wooden letters for girls  
• All Wooden Letters

P.P.S And lots of other lovely handmade gifts and keepsakes!  www.forkeepssake.co.uk

Nursery Ideas: Wooden Wall Letters

Wooden letters add the perfect finish to any nursery or child's bedroom.  Once you have decided on the style and theme of your nursery, why not personalise it? What child wouldn't love to see their name across their bedroom wall?

We have a range of high quality, hand painted wooden letters - in lots of different designs, colours and sizes so we are sure we'll have something to suit. 

What's more - we offer different colour options on all of our designs so that you can match them perfectly to the nursery or bedroom decor.  In fact we can paint the letters pretty much any colour, so can offer you a truly bespoke product. 

For the Girls - Wooden Wall Letters.

Pink Butterfly Wooden Wall Letters

LEXI. These gorgeous wooden letters are painted pale pink and come with butterflies and white flower bead trails. 

They can be painted almost any colour and we have a selection of colours for the butterflies - to help you match the letters perfectly to your decor.

Hot Pink Fairy Wooden Wall Letters

ELISA. These fairy themed wooden letters come in hot pink as standard, but can be painted almost any colour - however the fairy colours can not be changed and the hearts are only available in pink and lilac. 

We have sold these letters in green with the same decorations and they have been well received. Other colour options could include pale pink, purple/ lilac or candy pink.

Free Standing Beige Bow Button Wooden Letters

AVA.  These stylish free standing letters are currently available in one size - 15cm high with a thickness of 18mm (which is very chunky). 

They will look beautiful perched on a shelf, windowsill or chest of drawers.  The letters can be painted any colour and the decorations are available in beige (as shown), pink and blue.
 

Green & Pink Butterfly Heart Wooden Letters

FREYA.  We love these green and pink letters, they look great especially if you are looking to get away from just pink.  

Whilst the decorations are not available in any other colour, the letters can be painted different colours - the most common requests have included white, hot pink, candy pink and pale pink.
 

Candy Pink Bow Wooden Wall Letters

BELLA.  Our pink bow letters will look beautiful in a baby or little girls bedroom. 

Again you can request pretty much any letter colour and we have bows available in pink, beige and blue.



For the Boys - Wooden Wall Letters.

Blue Animal Wooden Wall Letters

ZAC.  Our lovely animal themed letters look great and make a bright and fun addition to a little boy's bedroom or nursery.  You can of course buy these letters for a little girl as well, as the letters can be painted any colour.  Animals are subject to stock and we will use what we believe works best for the colour and shape of the letter. (See red letters at the end of this post).

Blue Sea Theme Wooden Letters

Archie.  This is one of our new designs using a different font and uppercase and lowercase letters. 

These letters are a great fit for a sea or boat themed bedroom or nursery - or even just to add a splash of colour and fun to a bedroom.

Blue Space Theme Wooden Letters

LEO.  Our space themed wall letters have been a firm favourite over the years and continue to be very popular. 

These also look great in Royal Blue if you feel that navy blue is too dark and in red.  Decorations remain the same.

Blue Stars Wooden Letters

FINLAY.  Our simple pale blue letters decorated in stars are perfect for a modern, less is more, bedroom or nursery. 

They look lovely on the wall but can also be painted in any colour with either the pale blue and clear stars, or white and clear stars.

 

Green Dinosaur Wooden Wall Letters

 
JOEL.  Perfect for any dinosaur lover.  These letters can be painted with or without the spots and come with a dinosaur on each letter.  Letters can be painted any colour and the dinosaurs are also made from mdf, so can be painted any colour too. 

Red Animal Wooden Wall Letters

I hope this post has helped give you some ideas for your child's nursery or bedroom.  We haven't included all of our letters here so please do visit the website to see the complete range of wooden wall letters. 

We also sell name plaques, personalised canvases and much much more if you are looking for a special gift for Christmas, Christenings, Birthdays or New Babies.  And remember, if there is something specific you would like - just ask and we'd be happy to look into it for you.

http://www.forkeepssake.co.uk/

Lots of Love
FKS x

Creating Keepsakes and Display Ideas for Kids Artwork

I assume I'm not alone when I find myself overloaded with 'artwork' and special pictures that my children have drawn and want to keep.  And it seems to come from all directions - from nursery and school (especially at the end of term), from when they've been with grandparents and lots more created at home!  And whilst the sheer volume of artwork is impressive, it's starting to take over my house.

So what do I do with it all? 

Don't get me wrong, there are some amazing drawings and I'm really proud of them and what they can do BUT my house can't cope with it.  And it's only going to increase.

So I've been looking into ideas for artwork storage and creating artwork keepsakes (combined with the recycling method and handing out to relatives, godparents and friends....etc!).

Artwork Canvases - Make Them Yourself!

Artwork Canvases

This is one that I'm going to attempt in their playroom.  I've already promised myself that I'll also create these with photos, so at the same time, I think I'll choose some of their favourite pieces of work with them, scan them and do the same with them. 

But with the artwork I'll paint the sides different colours to match the playroom decor and perhaps compliment the masterpiece itself.  

You can see the original post by Literally Inspired here.




Acrylic Artwork Keepsake Blocks

Acrylic Artwork Blocks

I love these, they are a great idea and will keep the pictures in tact.  They look modern and are even child friendly so they will be able to pick them up and look at them.

And of course you'll be able to update and change the pictures.  I came across these on a website called Artful Kids - you can buy them here.



 


Artwork Transferred onto Magnetic Noticeboard

Personalised Noticeboards

This idea is perfect for a favourite drawing that you would love to keep on display. 

It would make a perfect gift for parents or grandparents and as well as being a keepsake - it has an every day use! 

This is a truly unique idea and you can buy one here *disclaimer* through our own website ;o).





Clever Artwork Collage - Make It Yourself

Artwork Collage Display

I love this display - it looks modern, bright and stylish and the artwork displays are a perfect fit with the gorgeous photos of the two boys. 

The artwork frames on their own would look as good and this is another that I am going to attempt for the playroom (will stop planning and start doing.... one day soon!)

The lady behind this used photoshop to create the collage of artwork - you can read the original post here. 




Artwork Display on a Line - Make It Yourself

Artwork on a line!

Another fab idea and so simple - anyone could do this.  It's also a great way of showing lots of different drawings and paintings that can be easily changed.  I love the pegs and even more so love the quote in the bottom image.

You can visit the original blogs via the caption links underneath the images.

Artwork Display on Line

What do you think of these ideas?  Do you have any other suggestions?  We'd love to hear them!

x

Gifts under £15 - Christenings, Birthdays, New Babies

When you want to buy something special for a new baby, Christening or birthday, it can be really difficult to find unique gifts that don't cost the earth.  That's why we've put together this list of 10 items - to help you along your way.

All of these high quality gifts are made in Britain, some are handmade and all of them cost less than £15!  To purchase any of these gift ideas, use the link below the image.

Football name plaque £12.50

Number 1. This funky metallic blue football name plaque would make a perfect gift for any football mad boy.

The plaque is made from an acrylic letter which is 22cm high and is decorated with the child's name and footballs.  Cost is £12.50 + P&P. 
 
 

Children's Name Plaque - Fairy £12.50

Number 2. A pretty pale pink fairly name plaque, which any little girl would love to have on their bedroom door or wall.

The plaque is made from an acrylic letter which is 22cm high and is decorated with the child's name, the fairy and sparking gems for a touch of bling! Cost is £12.50 + P&P. 

Space 3D Door Name Plaque From £6.50

Number 3. This door name plaque is really unusual and looks really effective on a bedroom door.  Rather than being fixed to a base, all parts are individual and together create a great 3d effect.

The metallic letters are 5cm high and come with spaced themed accessories.  Prices start from £6.50 + P&P.

Butterfly 3D Door Name Plaque From £6.50

Number 4. This door name plaque is one for the girls and again is made from individual letters and accessories.  Another fab addition to a little girls bedroom!

The pink letters are 5cm high and come with a large butterfly and several smaller butterflies. Prices start from £6.50 + P&P.

Door Name Print / Plaque £13.50

Number 5. This gorgeous little door name print comes in a white frame and looks great on either a bedroom wall or door. This frame measures 16.5cm x 21.5cm.

The cost for this personalised name frame is just £13.50 + P&P and will make a great gift for birthdays, christenings or new babies.  Or just because - who says you need an occasion for a great little gift like this?

Door Name Print / Plaque £13.50

Number 6. And for the boys, we have this beautifully designed boat name frame, which is bound to be loved by a little boy. Again the frame measures 16.5cm x 21.5cm. 

The cost is just £13.50 + P&P and will make a great gift for any occasion. 

 

First Tooth Pewter Trinket Gift

Number 7 and 8.  The next two make perfect gifts, bought either on their own or together, for new babies or christenings.  These gorgeous pewter trinket boxes have either "First Curl" or "First Tooth" engraved on the lid and the alphabet engraved all around the outside of the box.

First Curl Pewter Trinket Gift

The diameter of each of these boxes is 3.5cm and they come with their own separate cream organza bag.

They are £10.99 each.

Wooden Name Plaque - Owl £7.75

Number 9. If you're a lover for all things "owl" you'll love this little guy. 

This gorgeous wooden hanging plaque is hand painted (any colour), decorated and personalised with the child's name. It's made from high quality MDF wood and costs just £7.50 + P&P.

Wooden Train Name Plaque - £7.75

Number 10.  And last but not least, is another of our hanging wooden name plaques.  Most little boys love a transport theme, so just for them, is this little wooden train plaque.

Again, hand painted (any colours) from high quality MFD this 3d wooden train plaque is personalised with the child's name and costs 7.50 + P&P.





So that's our top 10 under £15.00 - I hope we've helped to ease the chore of having to find that perfect present, without spending a fortune or hours on the web or in the shops. We have lots lots more on the website, so please pop by to visit us at www.forkeepssake.co.uk and see what other wonderful gift ideas we have.

xx

Tips for Juggling Work and Children in the Holidays

It's only Week One of the summer holidays and my vision of a straightforward work-children balance at home has been somewhat distorted.  Or perhaps, was just completely impractical...!

I tend to plan and think in 'number of hours' (that's a previous office life for you) which has failure written all over it.   The truth is, if you're at home with the kids and trying to work, you will only ever get little chunks of time to chip away at your mountain of looming work.

So having realised and accepted this - I've put together some ideas to work it.  The goal being that I can still achieve what I need to in the day, whilst making the most of the time with the children.  Here goes:

1. Get up a little earlier.  OK, this may not seem at all tempting having managed to ditch the school run for the next 6 weeks...but.... you can stay in your PJ's grab yourself a cuppa and squeeze an hour or so in before the kids are up. It's a great head start.
2. Plan Plan Plan.  If you know what you need to achieve the next day or over the next week, you can prioritise your workload.  
3. Be realistic.  If you're like me, you probably set your sights too high by giving yourself unrealistic targets.  For some reason I think I can do everything plus a little bit more... which sadly... I can't. By setting realistic goals, you are much more likely to achieve and feel good at the end of the day rather than frustrated.
4. Plan tasks not hours. Having worked out what needs to be done you have effectively broken your work down into tasks.  Tasks are much easier to squeeze in around the kids, one might take an hour, another might take 20 minutes. Some you can do with the kids, some you have to do when they are occupied. It makes planning much easier.
5. Activities to occupy the kids.  Think of things to occupy the children whilst you are working.  Mine love colouring, which could  give me an hour to answer emails, process orders or even package orders.  If I need to paint letters or plaques, I give them something to paint so we can do it together.
6. Use TV to your advantage.  Yes I know, the "T" word in the summer, but by letting the kids watch a movie at some point in the day, you are again giving yourself time to work.  When they watch TV just be sure to plan it around when you want / need to work.
7. Go out. Make sure you have something lined up to do with the children during the day - you will spend quality time together, the children will have something to look forward to and you won't end up feeling guilty about having to work. Summer holidays are the best opportunity for us to make the most of the time we do have with our children - especially while they are young.
8. Work in the evening.  Most of us already do this, but we may need to do a little bit more. And perhaps more at the weekend too, whilst daddy is around to look after them for a while.  If you follow to tip 6, you probably won't mind this as you've already been out and done something fun in the day.

I'm sure I'll think of more as these next few weeks progress and trial these in practice.  Will keep you posted.  In the meantime let us know if you have any tips you can add to this, comment below and help other busy mums in the same situation.

Good luck and enjoy!!

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PopUp Britain - The rise of the independant retailer?

It's been hard to ignore the amount of shop closures over the last few years, particularly in the peak of the recession when we were shocked to see the likes of Woolworths, MFI and Faith Shoes go into administration.

Since then, it's been common to see City and Town Centres scattered with vacant stores as retailers continue with their struggle to survive.  And despite a surge in volume of online retailers, they have been restricted to selling online and through events, due to the costs of setting up a 'bricks and mortar' shop.

That is, until now.

Monday saw the launch of 'PopUp Britain', a scheme run by StartUp Britain, set up to support and promote entrepreneurs and accelerate enterprise in Britain.  A PopUp shop in Richmond, Surrey, was opened on Monday for 3 months and will house 6 businesses at a time, for 2 weeks at a time.  The next two weeks will see a second set of 6 businesses selling their products.  Rental fees are then split between all of the businesses. 

What a brilliant idea.  Not only does it help retailers, but it also helps the landlords by filling the space, it helps the high street and it helps to educate the public that we need to support, not restrict, small business - as they are fundamental in the future development of our economy.

I hope all the businesses do well out of the experience and campaign - and would love to see more PopUp shops filling the gaps on the Highstreet!

Have a look at the websites for the first 6 retailers in the PopUp shop: Bertie and Jack  |  Tier One Clothing  | Elephant Branded | Maria Allen Jewellery | Morrow Outfitters | Vulpine

Read full article from Enterprise Nation |  Read more on Start Up Britain

What do you think?  Whether you are a customer or retailer, we'd love to know your thoughts!

Great Ideas for Holiday Souvenir & Keepsake Displays

So the sun is beaming down and summer has finally arrived!  Sat at the computer with the patio doors open, listening to the birds and children in the distance playing in paddling pools, it almost feels like holiday.  For a split second at least... before remembering I'm sat at a computer... inside......working!

With this almost tropical climate bringing smiles to all of our faces, it felt that a holiday theme would be apt for this post.  So, I thought I'd share some great ideas for displaying holiday or traveling souvenirs and keepsakes.

We always seem to come home with odd bits and pieces that I'm reluctant to throw away.  I used to save all of our flight tickets (which were then kept in a box!) the girls always insist on bringing shells back and last year, we accidentally acquired a mini-golf golf ball.

Whatever little souvenirs or keepsakes you have, why not create a display out of them - especially to remind you of the good times, when the heavens inevitably open again!  Plus the kids will just love looking at them and telling their friends about each item.

Here are some fab and unique ideas that I have come across and intend on creating myself.

Holiday Souvenir & Keepsake Jars

These are gorgeous and would look great as a collection, you could use them to display things from different holidays, countries and places.

You can use a jar of any size and simply place all the pieces that you want into it.  You can stick them in if need be.

Themes are limitless - from beach to city holiday, create the theme on whatever your souvenirs are.

Thanks to Indy Hot Moms for sharing this idea. 

Traveling or Holiday Scrapbook.

Now this is something I really need to do.   Having spent many months traveling over the last few years I have lots of photos, coins, notes, tickets and stories to tell.  But somehow my half filled photo albums and traveling souvenirs have all found their way into a box at the back of the loft.  What a waste...!

So, it is my intention to create some scrapbooks - a lovely idea to show the kids all the places we have been to and the things we have done.

Another great idea found on Indy Hot Moms and I love the idea of maps being used as the background.   Added to my 'To Do' List!

3D Box Frame Display - Travel  / Holiday Keepsakes

A deep box frame is perfect for displaying anything that would be too big to fit into a jar and also big enough to use large photos or maps in the background.  A great combination of the above two ideas. 

These look great and let you create a really unique display.  Another on my To Do list, which seems to grow by the second.

I found this display on the Martha Stewart website - where there are some other original ideas for holiday keepsakes that you can make yourself.




If you have an ideas that you'd love to share with us, or even photos of keepsake displays you've created, please feel free to comment below!  Well, time to go back to work.  Bye for now, and we hope you enjoy the sunshine!!

P.S   Don't forget to keep in touch with us, so that we can tell you about our new blog posts, new products and any offers and competitions that are currently running. How?

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Mad About Owls - Part 1

Like many other people (women and children I should imagine) across the UK I appear to have developed a slight obsession with owls.

I just love them and have come across so many wonderful pictures and products across the internet that I have now set up a Pinterest Board dedicated solely to Owls. 

In this post I wanted to share a couple of my favourites with you (without plugging my own owl creations of course!).

Follow our Mad About Owls Board on Pinterest

1. Christmas Red Owl

One that is not yet on the board, but will be going up imminently is this gorgeous red owl, sold by Jenny's Shabby Chic Home Accessories.    Although set in a Christmas theme, this gorgeous owl can be for any time of the year.  You can the owl and Jenny's other fab creations on her Facebook page: Jenny's Shabby Chic Home Accessories



2. Little Needle Felted Birds

These tiny little guys have made a few waves on Pinterest and for good reason.  They are incredibly cute and Lauren Alane has taken some brilliant photos of them. 

Have a look at her blog or website for more images, they truely are fab!! So much so that it took me quite a while to decide which photo to post here!!


3. Gorgeous Pink and Green Owl Cushion

I could definately find a house for this pretty owl  themed cushion - in beautiful shades of pink and green. 

Am loving it, it's just a shame that the website selling it is based in the USA. 

But for those of you that live there - it looks as though you're in luck :o) These Made in the USA by Carousel Designs.




That's my 3 for today, but I shall be back to post some more finds.  Apologies to those who aren't quite as obsessed with owls as much as I am ;o)

Don't forget to keep in touch with us, so that we can tell you about our new blog posts, new products and any offers and competitions that are currently running. How?

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Thanks for looking. Let me know if you have any other cute owl finds. x

3D Shadow Box Picture Frames - 10"x10" Deep Display ames

Buy Oak 10x10" Deep Box Frame

Following high demand for our deep box frames for keepsakes and 3d framing, we've introduced a new size to our range.

Our new 10"x10" frames have a depth of 2.1" (55mm) and come with a box fixed to the back of the frame to allow for the extra depth.

These deep frames are perfect for creating unique and special 3d displays.  Typically our customers use them for framing baby casts, baby shoes, other baby keepsakes and wedding keepsakes.

Back View of Frames with Box

Our high quality frames are made to order and come at an affordable price of £27.00 - helping you create a display with a professional finish, without the price tag of a professional framer.

Buy White 10x10" Deep Box Frame

These frames are currently available to buy from our website in White, Oak and Black.  However you can also request them in brown, silver and beech - we just don't have an image to show yet.   Please see other sizes to see the colour and style of these coloured frames.

Buy Black 10x10" Deep Box Frame

If you run a baby casting business and are looking for a supplier of frames, please get in touch we'd love to hear from you and see how we can help you.

To see all of our products, visit For Keep's Sake - For Personalised Gifts and Keepsakes

Personalised Gifts ideas for Children - Direct to your Door

The rain may be threatening any chance of going to the beach for the day and has most definitely got in the way of barbecue season, but it won't stop Birthdays and Christenings and babies are still being brought into this world every day. If you have presents to buy and don't fancy being caught out by an inevitable shower, let us do the work for you.  We have added lots of lovely new handcrafted and personalised products to our website, helping you to shop in the comfort of your own home. We have lots more wooden name plaques for boys and girls.  Prices start from £7.50 for the mini wooden hanging plaques to £18.00 for the larger 3d plaques with more detail. Name plaques are perfect for birthdays and christenings, as well as new baby gifts.  Or you can do what we've done with them and buy them for your own children.  The kids love them, and they look great on bedroom doors or walls.  See the range of Name Plaques available on our website. We have also introduced a range of beautiful and unusual personalised magnetic noticeboards.  Who said noticeboards need to be dull?  Inspired by a fabulous poster style noticeboard in Costa Coffee (of all places) we fell in love with this range and wanted everyone to know about them. They are available in different designs for children, or you can even personalise the noticeboard with your own photo or your child's artwork.  An ingenious idea and a perfect gift for parents or grandparents.  Prices start at £48.00 for these truly unique keepsakes and you can see the range here.
Unique Gifts and Keepsakes for all Occasions, or Just Because....!
Keepsake Frames Create gorgeous and unique displays of your most precious memories with our modern range of keepsake frames.  We have lots of sizes and colours, so take a wonder over to our website to see the whole range.	Fingerprint Jewellery Beautifully handcrafted, fine pieces of silver jewellery with a child's handprint, footprint or fingerprint. We have jewellery that mums, dads and grandparents will love. Fingerprint / handprint Jewellery	Wooden Letters We have lots of styles of wooden letters for babies, boys and girls.  Lots of sizes available too - have a look at our wooden letters.

Wooden Butterfly Name Plaque - Personalised Gifts

This is one of our new range of personalised name plaques.  I have to admit, I've really enjoyed coming up with some new ideas for name plaques and wooden letter designs over the last couple of weeks and I'm really pleased with the outcome. 

This butterfly name plaque was designed for my 6 year old, who absolutely loves it.  It was designed for her bedroom door, but could always be attached to a bedroom wall instead.

It's made from mdf, is approx 20cm long and was handpainted and decorated.  It will cost £18 but has an introductory price of £16.

I'm hoping to add all the new product onto the website this week, but for now this is the preview. 

Would love to know what you think? 

Or if there is any particular theme or design you've been looking for but can't find?  We're always open to trying out new ideas.