These brilliantly bold biscuit cushions have been hand made by designer Nikki McWilliam. What's even better about these kitchy cushions is that Nikki not only sources all of her materials locally, but she also uses environmentally friendly water-based textile ink and only ever prints onto natural fibres such as cotton or linen. Her cushions are available online, along with a range of greetings cards, pin badges and prints.

If you wish to learn more about how each cushion is made, or just follow Nikki in her day to day life, then you can also follow her blog.

However, you must be warned that shipping for one cushion may only cost £2.55, but this price does increase slightly for each additional cushion. If you order two cushions your shipping will cost £4.00, three cushions will cost you £6.45 and four will cost you £7.90.

Amanda is the the creator of a lovely blog site called Wit & Whistle. Based in North Carolina, Amanda not only writes an amazingly inspirational blog full of her own beautiful photography, recipe ideas and wonderful home-made gifts, but in her spare time she also designs and makes her own range of hilarious and witty greetings cards (available to purchase online). 

Recently, I stumbled across one of her wonderfully original gift ideas and thought it was well worth a mention. Here is Amanda's make your own pressed leaves picture, a perfect gift for any keen gardener.

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How to... Make A Leaf Picture

I’m sure most of you have pressed leaves before, but if not it’s super simple...

Just gather the prettiest leaves you can find, sandwich them in sheets of wax paper (you can also use tissue, layout, tracing or water colour paper). Then stack up your heaviest books, and tuck the leaves into the pages of the bottom book. I usually leave them in the book stack for a week or so, but you can leave them as long as you want. It might be a nice mid-winter treat to open a book and find a leafy surprise. The colours fade a bit, but the pressed leaves retain a bit of their former beauty. Then simply frame.

Wit & Whistle

 *All instructions and images are taken directly from Amanda's Wit & Whistle blog

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These frames are also using a Manila/brown paper stock, but its your personal preference. You can always try water colour paper which normally comes in a nice off white, or even Kraft/parcel paper if your leaf is really dark green.

How To... Make A Hamper

Amy Elizabeth Hill is a fellow graduate from the University of Lincoln. In her spare time she likes to read and collect vintage novels, draw sweet little kitty cats and write posts on her wonderful blog; AMY ELIZABETH. She has kindly let me steal one of her 'how to' blog posts to feature on 'itsthethought'. So here it is...

How To... Make A Hamper

Lets face it - parents often get the worst deal when it comes to presents. At Christmas the focus is usually on the children and grand children, brothers and sisters. Parents will over spend, spoiling everyone, and what do they get in return? £20's worth of vouchers and a cheap bottle of wine.

When Charlie and I started thinking about buying presents for our parents this Christmas, we hit this ugly brick wall and decided to do something different - we made our own hampers. It's an ideal gift, and not just for Christmas. You can spend as much or as little as you like (the bonus being that it'll look more expensive when it's finished) and you could even give it a theme, just be creative! Here's how we did it...

The insides. We took a trip to Borough Market to pick some unique (and well priced) items. We also hit up Harrods and Fortnum & Mason for stylish packaging to give the hamper a luxurious edge.

Our little hampers cost £9.99 for 3, which left us with a bigger budget for the gifts! Shop around for various sizes and shapes to suit your theme.  

We filled our baskets with white shredded tissue paper, but there are so many options when it comes to padding out your hamper. Why not try a variety of different colours, packaging peanuts, or even newspaper for an original look.  
 

Arrange your bits and pieces inside the basket. Then do it again. And again, and again...keep going until you're completely satisfied! Place larger items at the back and build around them - fill in any nooks with odd shaped packaging to ensure your hamper doesn't look too flat.

We went for a traditional approach with our wrapping. If you'd like to do the same, wrap the cellophane under the hamper and get someone to hold it tight and in an upright position. Tape the sides to avoid gaping at the next stage.

 
Twist the cellophane in a high knot, ensuring all of the gifts inside won't be hidden under the ribbon. Choose your ribbon to match the occasion -we opted for red to achieve a festive finish!

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As Amy mentioned earlier, this gift is perfect for; Christmas, Birthdays, Parents, Grandparents and friends. A hamper can also be made really personal by adapting the gifts to a different theme. Here are a few helpful suggestions on what to include;


For a keen baker;
Baking utensils such as; silicone cupcake cases, paper cake cases, a spatula, piping bags, a metal hand whisk, sugar and flour (because they have a much longer shelf life than fresh ingredients), an apron, an oven glove, a cake tin, a tea towel, a glass measuring jug and biscuit cutters.


For the girlfriend;
Nice shower gel or bubble bath, her favourite perfume, chocolate truffles (for a more personal touch, see if you can find a local chocolatier rather than going straight to Thorntons), a necklace or earrings, a scarf and a nice bottle of wine or her favourite spirit (make sure you go for a high end spirit as a gift. For example, if your buying vodka, buy Absolut. If your buying gin, buy Bombay Sapphire.)


For the boyfriend;
His favourite aftershave, bags of sweets, a DVD, a CD, cheese and chutney, socks and boxers (yes they are boring, but boys always need more), a book or comic, a t-shirt and a few bottles of his favourite beer.


For a keen gardener
Seed packets, gardening gloves, a fork, a spade, a trimmer, baby bio oil (seems strange but it acts as a plant food when dropped into the soil), bunting or outside fairy lights, garden markers, melamine cups, plates and bowls for dining alfresco and citronella candles. Citronella candles are perfect if you like to spend a lot of time enjoying your garden as citronella oil is a natural insect repellent.


For a new home;
People who have moved to a new home know how expensive it can be, which is why it is always a great relief when someone buys you a hamper full of the everyday essentials. This could include; washing up liquid, duster cloths, febreze, fabric powder and softener and then a few handy keepsakes like candles, a glass, a mug and a bowl (or 2 of each if it's for a couple), salt and pepper shakers and plain glass jars for storage.


The great thing is, if your low on time, you can pick up most of these things up from your local supermarket whilst your doing your weekly shop. Although, if your looking to buy gardening gifts, most of these items tend to be seasonal.

I have had a lot of requests recently to cover gift ideas for those unfortunate enough to have their birthday fall in December or January. It happens every year; your busy thinking about Christmas, planning what to get everyone and how much to spend. Your weekends are crammed with shopping, re-uniting with old friends and visiting family. Then all of a sudden it hits you - someone close to you is having a birthday! We all do it. But try and put yourself in their shoes. If it happens to us every year, just think how many times it happens to them. Just think how many people forget their special day, or have no money or time to spare. Not to mention how annoying it must be to have the weather usually putting a stopper in any plans or parties they manage to sort out.

Hopefully these hints and tips will make sure that special friend/family member never gets forgotten.

PLAN AHEAD
Make a note of it twice. Obviously mark down the date of their actual birthday, but why not try marking it down a month early? Lets face it, no one turns the page on the calendar until the very last minute. Well if their birthday is in  December or early January then mark a reminder in November.

Make a note of their birthday on your Christmas card list. If you're really organised then you can also try and buy their birthday card a few months earlier. Lets face it, trying to buy a birthday card in a shop brimming with Christmas cards and Christmas card shoppers is a nightmare.

And whilst your doing that, you might as well make a note on your present list. All it takes is to put x2 by their name to remind yourself to buy them 2 gifts. That way you can do your Christmas shopping and your birthday shopping in the same trip.

SALES
If their birthday is in January then take full advantage of the sales. You can make them feel extra special with one of two options. Option one; buy them something really nice from a more costly store, such as Next, Cath Kidston or Topshop, that would have cost twice as much just 30 days earlier. Option two, go to a cheaper store, such as Boots, and buy them twice as much! Just think how happy a girly friend would be with an enormous Soap & Glory gift set!

FACEBOOK/TWITTER
People put their whole lives on facebook and I guarantee you will find a few hints on their profile page. Firstly, if they have bothered to fill out their profile information then you will find their likes, dislikes, music and films written in a handy list just waiting for you. You can also scroll quite far back through their facebook/twitter history to find out if they've been subtly hinting at a certain gift in their status updates.

Many websites now have a feature like Amazon where you can make your own 'wish list'. Basically, if you want something but you can't afford to buy it there and then, you have the option to save it in your wish list for as long as you like. The beauty of it is you can share this list on twitter and facebook - this shows up as an easy link in their status. All you have to do is click on the link and the list is there ready and waiting. The only effort you have to make is filling in your details. However, if you can't find this on their facebook page you have a back up option. You can simply search for their list on amazon. All you need is their name or email address. Click on the link below to take you to the search page.

amazon wish list

And finally...
NEVER COMBINE GIFTS
Nothing upsets them more than the idea that you have made half the effort by only buying them one gift for both events (unless of course you buy them an iphone or a new TV, then all is forgiven). Make it crystal clear that this gift is for their birthday by buying them the least festive gift you can find. On the other hand, if you are struggling to find something un-festive at the most festive time of year then why not plan an event for them. You and your friends could treat them to a meal at a restaurant, or, if funds are an issue, you could always have a surprise 'fuddle' at someones house after work. Simply have each guest bring 1 item of food or drink each - it is always a good idea to confer before the event so you don't end up with a table full of nothing but sausage rolls. Then you have a table full of buffet food and you only had to pay for 1 thing! A fuddle is always a nice way to have a fun party in a relaxed atmosphere with minimum cost.

Valentine's day is fast approaching, and in my opinion, this is probably one of the most difficult holidays to buy for. It seems that most couples seem to have their own individual style when it comes to Valentine's Day, which means there are no fixed rules. How much do you spend? What angle do you go for - Cheesy, cute, sexy? How much effort do you make?

Well these sweet trinkets, whilst being small and inexpensive, will earn any man some serious points for originality!

paperchase

This heart shaped tea infuser is too cute! Perfect for any tea loving girlfriend. It also comes with it's own little tray. You can buy this in store from paperchase for only £4.00. However, if you don't have a paperchase near you, you can buy online with an added  £3.25 p&p, bringing your total to £7.25.

Marks and Spencers

Marks and Spencers have their own Valentine's gifting range which includes this lovely ceramic ring dish for only £3.50 in store. Size - Height 65mm x Width 70mm. This really is a great gift for any girl, especially those who wear jewellery every single day. You also have the option to reserve and collect in store for no extra charge, or if you're really struggling for time you can always order online. This option incurs a £3.50 p&p charge which will bring your total up to £7.

dotcomgiftshop.com

 This natural slate chalk board from dotcomgiftshop.com is a wonderful idea if you have recently moved in with your girlfriend. And for a million more boyfriend points with minimal effort, you can borrow a piece of chalk and write your names on it; LUCY + DANIEL or MR + MRS RUDTREE. You can get this for a total of £10.90 (£6.95 and £3.95 p&p). Size - 20cm diameter.

dotcomdiftshop.com

Or, from the same website, you can buy this charming hanging heart jar tealight holder for £6.90 (£2.95 and £3.95 p&p). Size - Height 12cm, Diameter 6cm. You could run your special girl a bubble bath and place a few of these around the bathroom, or have it as the centrepiece for your home cooked Valentine's dinner.


Hope you have a happy Valentine's Day.

Knight night, Owen Davey

Knight night, Owen Davey

Freelance Illustrator, Owen Davey, has created this beautiful children's book about a young boy who thinks going to bed is a great adventure. His imagination takes him through strange lands, across crocodile-infested waters, past three-headed dragons & all the way to bed.

This will be prefect for any boys who love knights, castles and horses. The warm, muted colour palette and the busy pages keep them engaged, whilst teaching them that yes, even brave knight's have to brush their teeth. On the other hand, this would be a thoughtful 'coffee table book' for any friend who is an artist or illustrator.

You can purchase this book on amazon from around £7.93 (£5.13 and £2.80 p&p from UKpaperbackshop) or in shops such as waterstones for £10.99.

Tad Carpenter

Tad Carpenter is an illustrator, designer and teacher living in Kansas City, Missouri. His style consits of a broad range of skills including hand drawn typogrpahy, silk screen printing and wondefully whimsical characters. Tad has also teamed up with his good friend, Dan Padavic, in 2006 to create the screen printing studio Vahalla Studios.

I have chosen a selection of posters and prints that would make an extra special surprise present to any boy or girl for Valentine's day. Tad also has an excellent selection of band posters to please any keen festival goer or music lover.

Ghost Whisper

'Ghost whisper' is a limited edition (of 100, numbered and hand signed) 3 colour print on chip board. Size: 8.5 x 11.5. This print costs $24.00 ($12 and $12 p&p) which converts to approximately £15.65.

Home Print Grey

blue, grey, brown & purple

'Home' is a 1 colour silkscreen, with 4 colours to choose from; blue, grey, brown and purple. Size: just slightly smaller than 18 x 24. This print costs $32.00 ($20 and $12 p&p) which converts to approximately £20.86.

Jack Johnson Poster

And for the music lovers - 'Jack Johnson'  is a limited edition (of 150, numbered and hand signed) 2 colour print. The colour palette is a reflection of the fun, summery feel of Jack's music. The two colours create a lovely overprint which forms the third colour; green. Size: 18 x 24. This poster also costs $32.00 ($20 and $12 p&p) which converts to approximately £20.86.

If you want to find out more about Tad Carpenter or Vahalla Studios then click on these links;

Interview with Tad Carpenter at grain edit
Vahalla Studios

* Shipping to the United Kingdom is $12.00, which works out at approximately £7.83*. Please note; all prices on this post are correct at the time of conversion and may vary slightly during final purchase.

Rob Ryan, John Lewis

Rob Ryan bunting available from John Lewis - 5 meters and 16 colourful pennants for £25. This also comes in a lovely branded drawstring bag, meaning you can keep it safe between parties. The best thing is you can reserve it online and collect from your local John Lewis store for no extra charge. But if you can't get to your local store then it will cost you £3 p&p bringing your grand total to £28.

This would make a sentimental gift for a birthday girl, a quirky bride, a young couple moving in together or a child's birthday to hang in their room. And if your looking to win brownie points with your girlfriend then this would look brilliant above the dining table on Valentine's day - hint hint!

wild and wolf, image by A&G MERCH

Looking for a simple but personal Birthday gift?

These Scrabble mugs from wildandwolf.com are great for a total cost of £10.90 each (£6.95 per mug and £3.95 p&p). All 24 letters available.

This gift becomes extra special if your initial is a high scorer - Z is worth 10 points!

If your friends are getting married why not buy 2, one for the bride and one for the groom, as a unique wedding present? Total cost £17.85.

TheLittleBoysRoom

You can even theme the entire gift with corresponding Scrabble wrapping paper for £3.95 (£2.50 per sheet and £1.45 p&p) from notonthehighstreet.com

Each sheet measures 50cm x 70cm

THE LETTEROOM

Or if you're feeling flush you could buy these Scrabble cushions from THE LETTEROOM. At £22.90 each (£19.95 per cushion and 2.95 p&p) your friends would have to be pretty special to receive these beautys! Especially if you were going to spell their name. However, you can order the words LOVE or HOME or HOPE for a slightly discounted cost of £69.45 with free delivery - that's a £10.35 saving!