When I'm not working...

I can be found decorating!

Am a little poorly today so decided to work from home and thought I'd give you the tiniest peek into what my flat looks like!

I moved to Glasgow, to this flat, at the beginning of 2003 and ever since we (John and I) have been doing it up with varying degrees of success and it feels like we're finally (finally) getting there. The flat is a Victorian tenement, big and strong, and in our case in dire need of some tlc. There are many times I would quite happily have packed it in and gone to live in a shiny new build (really? I'm not sure) but now it's almost over I can honestly say I love the place.

I had wanted to share a little more with you but it's really gloomy here today and the pictures aren't turning out very well so I've done what I can and will try to do more on a better day...

My Kate Wilson original sketch:

Hidden door to the en suite in our bedroom:


Ashley G and Kate Wilson pictures again to make me smile while I have my shower in the morning!

The living room. The sofa is next on the list of projects and will be reupholstered, I quite fancy a bright yellow bobbly sort of fabric...

The ceiling rose in the living room which we stripped back and restored:

Little snap of yesterdays coffee table crafting - handmade envelopes for HZ goodies:

You will notice I haven't included the kitchen or bathroom, that's 'cause they are currently undergoing work. The kitchen is very nearly done, but the bathroom... well, take a look for yourself *cries*:

One day, I will have a beautiful bathroom, but maybe not for a wee while yet!

It never rains...

...it always pours here at Hannah Zakari! After what felt like a new stock drought lately I have tons of gorgeous brand new items lined up you you over the next few weeks.

This morning (at 7am, thanks postie*) I opened up this big box of goodies with a gasp:

I love getting new stock but sometimes you get a box that truly makes you happy and this box of cuteness was one such box, filled with the most adorable goodies from The Small Object. Here's a little peak what was inside...

Some kawaii trinket boxes:

Super sweet needle cases:

And some Blythe sized moustaches on sticks!

I love my Blythe - do you like her outfit? I know you can't see much of it but I made it myself on my craft day last week :)

Once I got to work I opened yet another box of jewels, this time from Hannah Zakari favourite, Eclectic Shock. Eclectic Shock's shipments never fail to excite me and this one was no exception. Starting with my favourite bracelet, here are just a teeny wee sneak peek into what you can expect:


And then, much to my surprise a package with these beautiful prints from a new designer who you can expect very soon!

So as you can see, I have a super busy few weeks coming up, and I'm also expecting new stock to arrive soon from Kirsty Kirkpatrick, Frozen Peas, and more, plus more new to HZ designers than you can shake a stick with a moustache on top at!


Want to see even more sneak peeks? Visit the Hannah Zakari Facebook Fan page and be our fan!

*actually it was John who answered the door, I am grateful :)

Some spare time...

This week I have what feels like some rare spare time - only a very small amount of stock to put online (new skirts from Jennie Lööf, no less), just a little paper work left to do, emails are up to date, wholesale orders are sent off, I'm generally pretty well organised and it feels good!

So what will I do with my time then? Well, this gives me the opportunity to get my crafty hat on and I'm in the mood for lots of sewing! For the last few years I've used my red polka dot bag come rain or shine and I think it's time for a change at last! I also have a new line in mind so will hopefully get started on that and will do a little spring cleaning (why oh why did I buy a white desk??!), but just a little to leave time for lots of sewing and creativity.

My fabric stash is almost out of control, I just love collecting interesting prints and can't resist a cute Japanese cotton. I'm going back to Tokyo in October and need to get through all the fabric I bought last time so I can replenish - the problem is that some of it is so cute I can hardly bear to cut it up!

Whatever I do, I shall post the results up on here by the end of the week :)