Posh Tart - Filthy Velvet

Here at The Amazing Blog, we love nothing more than lighting some candles and unwinding with a few close friends, so when Filthy Velvet sent us one of their fun candles to try, we couldn't wait to use it.

There is a cheeky element to Filthy Velvet that we love, and while they make fabulous candles with beautiful scents, they don't take themselves too seriously. The candles, or "Scented Scandals" as they call them, are chic and set in a circular metal tin, looking at home on any counter, table or mantelpiece. The fun begins as you watch a shocked friend reading one of Filthy Velvet's unexpected names, such as "Big Pants" or "Busty Blonde" or "Pot Head." The provocative product names are original, odd and hilarious, making a superb gift for your sassiest friend.

We were sent the apple pie candle "Posh Tart" which had a sweet apple aroma, with notes of rich, spicy cinnamon and hints of nutmeg, vanilla and sugar pastry. The scent was noticeable but subtle, so you don't have to worry about it overpowering your home. Filthy Velvet's products are all hand poured in Northern Ireland, and are made from the finest fragrance oils, natural wax and cotton wicks. With a burn life of up to 50 hours, these "filthy little scandals" are sure to leave you smiling for a long time.  

If you want the perfect quirky candle for your home, or a fun gift to give to a loved one, you can purchase a candle from their website here from £10.50.

Stencil It!

Having recently moved into a new abode in London, and being the ripe old age of twenty-five, I decided over the weekend that it was high time to try my hands at a touch of DIY. Previously, I've shied away from banging nails into walls, screwing things together, or changing lightbulbs and appointed the nearest man I could get my hands on - Dad, boyfriend, housemate etc. all of whom are very aware of my short comings when it comes to matters of do-it-yourself.

So, over the weekend, armed with rollers, masking tape and paint, I set about decorating my entire room, hoping to prove that I can put the fun back into painting. How wrong I was. Seven hours later, with a bad back, hands like claws and covered in paint I was losing the will to live, and had only done one coat. Thankfully I had my lovely Italian housemate on call to finish it for me - hurrah!

There is, however, an alternative for gals like me - who want to indulge in a bit of decorating, without (whisper it) too much effort. Helen Morris, founder of The Stencil Library, has recently written a fabulous book called Stencil It, published by Jacqui Small, which comes complete with 101 ideas on how to decorate your home. Fit for a coffee table, this beautiful publication demonstrates quick, satisfying and inexpensive ways to bring pattern and colour into your home, whatever your style and budget. With a huge range of ideas - from stencilling cards and cushions to entire rooms, whether you're a beginner or an expert, Stencil It will give you a huge spectrum of inspiring ideas for your home.

Full of tips, techniques and beautiful illustrations, Stencil It is a celebration of the virtually limitless decorative potential of a fabulously creative craft form. So, whether you want to give your bedroom a subtle enahncement, or your sitting room a completely new look, Stencil It had both the ideas and the know-how to turn it into a reality - minus the bad back and claw hands! Happy stencilling!

Inspired by Indian tribal prints and patterns

Now that Spring has officially sprung I’ve been trying to inject some colour and flair into my home as well as my wardrobe. Graham & Green has some beautiful and stylish pieces that will instantly lift any room. I adore their embroidered gypsy caravan cushions, inspired by Indian tribal prints and patterns and their Moroccan leather pouffes which have been hand stitched in Morocco and can either be used as extra seating for friends or simply as decoration. I also have my eye on the hand stitched floral quilt sets which will instantly brighten any bedroom and have all been overstitched by hand giving them a  personalised feel. Graham and Green stock a wide range of carefully sourced and beautifully made furniture which is guaranteed to give a touch of style to any home and have your friends asking where you sourced such unique and interesting pieces.

Graham & Green have stores in Notting Hill and Primrose Hill or alternatively look online to view and purchase their whole range of furniture.