How about tat?

Yesterday was my 28th birthday. I've never been one for big parties or making too much of a fuss on the day itself, but this year there was something I really wanted to do.

Happy birthday to me!

If you know me in real life or follow me on any social media channels, you'll know that I love (and I'm not using that term loosely - I really do love) all things Poirot. I'm a big fan of most murder mysteries and whodunnit-based stories, but Agatha Christie's Poirot has always been my favourite. I love the books, I love the TV series and, most of all, I bloody love that brilliant little Belgian.

As the proud owner of the books, DVD collection and even a Poirot monkey (I'm not kidding), I decided to take the next step into the weird and wonderful world of fandom: a tattoo. My beautiful and amazing Nana kindly offered to cover it as my birthday present so that I will always be able to see it and think of her, making the whole thing doubly special. I found the perfect design to reflect his signature style and character, and decided to get it on my wrist facing me so I can look at it whenever I want without breaking my neck to see it.

When the big day  took myself off to Tattooland in Woking to get inked. Here are the results:

I absolutely love it and could not be happier. I got some amazing presents for my birthday this year and I love them all, but my new tattoo will forever go down as one of the most incredible gifts I've ever received. Thank you, Nana! I think Poirot himself would be proud.

Have you got any tattoos? Is it wrong that I'm already itching for my next one?

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

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A girl's REAL best friend

If you've met me in real life, chances are you've heard me talk about my two great loves in life (after my bearded man, family, friends etc., obviously). These loves are simple, but continue to be very important to me: the first is Poirot, and the second is dogs.

I love dogs. Ever since I was very small, I've dreamed of owning one, but unfortunately it's never been the right time or circumstance. My father was never a "dog person", so I wasn't allowed one as a child. Since graduating university and joining the world of full-time employment, I've only ever lived in flats with limited space and free time. People have told me I should just get a dog regardless, but I truly believe you shouldn't get any kind of pet unless you have the time, space and means to dedicate to them. That being said, I still want to be in the company of dogs as much as possible.

Enter Borrow My Doggy.

If you've never heard of it before, prepare to have your life changed. Borrow My Doggy is a brilliant website that connects people that love dogs with owners that are happy to share their furry friends, or need someone to help out with walks, dog sitting and things like that - basically exactly what I've been looking for.

I signed up straight away, and found a very beautiful Miniature Schnauzer puppy named Turtle that lived a mere 2 miles from me. I sent her owner a message, and fortunately Turtle's owner, Svezone, was just as lovely as her dog! We met up for a 'Welcome Woof' and all got on swimmingly. I'm happy to say that Turtle and I have been on a few doggy dates since then, and it's been brilliant. Turtle is so sweet and incredibly well-behaved. Even my family love it when she comes over, especially my little nephew. Whether we're going for walks, playing tug of war (usually with my slippers) or just relaxing in front of the TV, having Turtle around just makes the day better.

This whole blog post is basically an excuse for me to show off some pictures of Turtle, because I'm really chuffed to have her as my little doggy friend. Until I'm in a position to have a dog of my own (fingers crossed it'll happen in the not-so-distant future), I'm really enjoying my Turtle time.

In the park today. Green is definitely her colour. 

Stealing my slippers!


Looking in my mirror. This picture never fails to make me smile.

Me and my furry little friend

If you need a doggy in your life or have one you'd like to share, I highly recommend you check out Borrow My Doggy. If you're lucky like me, you may make some new friends - human or otherwise! 

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

x

Swell bits

Another Sunday has come and gone - where does the time go, eh?

Hello, lovely people! How has your weekend been? Have you got anything exciting planned for the week ahead?

I did manage to get out and enjoy the sunshine, and even to frolic with friends around London town. However, I did also manage to make a few new bits. What do you think of these?



Looking at these photos again, I can't help but think, "Frankie, turn off The Tudors!" However, I quite like this necklace. It's made from a vintage compact, hung on vintage chains and adorned with a line of freshwater pearls. The compact is still intact and comes with the original puff! It has that amazing powder smell too...if only this blog had a "scratch'n'sniff" facility.



People seemed to really like the cuff I posted last week, so I thought I'd have a go at making another (Cuff II - Antique Boogaloo). This cuff is made from an antique drawer pull, linked on vintage chain and adorned with a vintage faux pearl. The drawer pulls came as a pair, so I can even make another if you all like this one! Lovely.


I've been wanting to do something with this vintage brooch for a while now, and today it finally felt right to use it for a bracelet. I like it because it reminds me of grapes. I mean, everyone loves grapes...don't they?

So, as usual, I would love your feedback on these, please! I find it really helpful, and all of your support means a lot to me.

Speaking of lovely support, the wonderful Clandestine Chick (aka Sheena) of Observations and Musings was kind enough to feature some of my jewellery on her blog. It's a really great post, although I can't help but feel like a total fraud - the other jewellery she has included is so much nicer than mine! Click here to have a read.

Also, I just want to take this opportunity to mention another person who is far more talented than me. The lovely and brilliant Sian of Siansburys specialises in sock monkeys (among many other things), and I recently asked her to make me a Poirot one (if it's not The Tudors, it's Poirot - I need to get out more). Don't get me wrong - I knew that Sian was talented, and I knew she made amazing monkeys, but I was TOTALLY blown away when Poirot arrived. Sian's attention to detail, both on the monkey itself and the packaging he arrived in, was just perfect, and he is so well made. I am now in love, and can't wait for him to take pride of place in my new flat. Here he is with just some of my Poirot-related merchandise:



Isn't the likeness uncanny?! To see more of Sian's wondrous creations, visit her website at www.siansburys.net.

Well, I think I've rambled on for long enough - it's off to bed I go! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and I hope the monkey made up for the poor quality of my writing.

Much love,

Frankie
Swell Vintage

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